For this his sixth album for ECM, and his first for three years, Stefano Battaglia has again presented a programme with a set agenda. Previous albums have paid tribute to musical heroes on his debut, Raccolto in 2003, and Re: Pasaolina a tribute to the Italian filmmaker in 2007, and a pair of recordings, The River of Anyder(2009) and Songways (2012) were predominantly named after mythical locations. It is perhaps then hardly surprising then that the pianist should be drawn to the world and music of Alec Wilder.

Wilder's work as a composer of chamber music and operas for many will be overshadowed by his popular songs recorded by artists including, Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee, whilst Battaglia seems to have come from the opposite perspective, having become familiar with the Wilder's work as a classical composer, when in the early 90's the pianist performing his 'Sonata for Piano' and 'Sonata for Horn and Piano'.

Another pianist who has been drawn to Wilder's popular songs is Keith Jarrett, and Battaglia associates himself very much within the trio tradition, believing it to be one of the most rewarding format in any genre. Having staked his claim as part of a tradition within jazz that has witnessed many great trios, he readily acknowledges his admiration for Bill Evans, Paul Bley and Jarrett, and yet seems totally un-phased by the weight of the history of what has gone before, and seeks to establish his own place within the music.

This he achieves with quite remarkable results. Retaining the services of Maiore and Dani, Stefano has a trio with a steady and longstanding relationship, bringing a telepathic understanding that is evident throughout this live recording. Performed in front of an appreciative audience at Torino's Theatro Vittoria, the trio delve deep into the music of Alec Wilder in a set that is patiently and delicately poised, and performed with a staggeringly concentrated intensity that is heard to wonderful advantage on 'River Run'. This is also true of the other material on the disc, and especially on the longer pieces where the music is allowed to unfurl at it's own unforced pace, with a superlative performance of 'The Lake of Innisfree' that begins in an abstract reading that gradually comes into sharper focus as the composition moves inevitably to its climax. Also of note on this piece is the fine bass solo from Salvatore Maiore that is an integral part of the whole.

A fascinating and quietly invigorating performance that reveals more with each new hearing.​Reviewed by Nick Lea

ECM celebrates 50 years of music production with the Touchstones series of re-issues